Homeless Services Specialist - Outreach Specialist

Job Posting End Date:
September 10, 2026 Department: HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION Compensation Grade: G22 Compensation Range & Starting Salary:
Pay Range: $49,504.00 - $77,147.20 Starting salary - Minimum of the Pay Range. Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):
No Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40

Recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Employers for 2024, the City of Virginia Beach is proud to offer a diverse and dynamic work environment. Our workforce plays a crucial role in delivering exceptional government services to both our citizens and fellow City employees.

Join Our Homeless Outreach Team and Make a Real Difference in Virginia Beach The Homeless Outreach Team, part of the Homeless Services Division at the Housing Resource Center, is dedicated to meeting people where they are—literally. As a Homeless Outreach Specialist, you will be the compassionate “boots on the ground” providing critical support to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout our community.

This is meaningful, hands‑on work that goes far beyond traditional case management. Our team canvasses streets, parking lots, the boardwalk, wooded areas, and other outdoor locations to build trusting relationships and bring essential services directly to individuals who may not otherwise access them.

What You’ll Do Engage individuals and families experiencing homelessness through regular out/in‑reach in the field, including known encampments and community spaces. Build rapport using trauma‑informed, person‑centered approaches to understand needs and create pathways to stability. Conduct intakes and maintain accurate documentation within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Determine needs and make referrals to housing options, as well as mental health services, substance abuse treatment, medical care, SNAP, Medicaid, employment assistance, and more.

Guide clients through obtaining vital documents (, Social Security cards, birth certificates, DD‑214s, proof of disability). Provide transportation to essential appointments to help clients become document‑ready and move forward in the housing process. Spend approximately 60% of your time outdoors in varying weather conditions, including weather extremes, and diverse environments. Work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, or weekends, to meet client and community needs.

Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to drive a City vehicle.

The ideal candidate is someone who is:
Experienced in outreach with vulnerable populations and comfortable engaging with individuals in outdoor or encampment settings. Skilled in trauma‑informed care and crisis de‑escalation. Compassionate, adaptable, and committed to helping people navigate complex systems. An excellent communicator and active listener. Organized, resourceful, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong professional boundaries. Familiar with assessing eligibility for services and connecting clients to appropriate community resources.

If you’re passionate about helping others, enjoy working in the field, and want to be part of a supportive team making tangible, life‑changing impacts, we’d love to hear from you.

The City of Virginia Beach offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Health, dental, and life insurance Retirement and savings plans Parental leave Paid holidays Annual and sick leave Opportunities for professional development and growth

Strong preference for experience conducting outreach with vulnerable populations using a trauma‑informed, person‑centered approach. Demonstrated experience engaging individuals experiencing…